The order was disclosed by Prime Minister David Cameron in a speech to the Northern Ireland Investment Conference in Belfast and later confirmed by the company.

The Starstreak is a short-range, shoulder-fired or vehicle-launched that weighs about 37 pounds. After firing, the missile launches three sub-munitions that ride laser beams to the target, thus enhancing the system's effectiveness in destroying targets.

The British military deployed the missiles in London last year during the Olympic Games as a precaution against any terrorist attack from the air.

Thales said the missiles are manufactured at its facility in Belfast, and that the new order secures jobs for its workforce.

"Not only will this contract sustain jobs at our facilities in Northern Ireland, but it also demonstrates very clearly to our export customers the ongoing importance and trust that the U.K. MOD places in the Starstreak system and our design, manufacturing and support capabilities."

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